Speak Up For Your Health

Overcoming Weight Bias: A Clinical Psychologist’s Perspective

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Is obesity a mental health issue? Is it “right” for people to take the new obesity drugs if they aren’t obese but simply want to lose weight? This episode is not a patient story, but the perspective and experience of a clinical health psychologist who specializes in eating and weight-related issues. Dr. Robyn Pashby talks about the vicious shame-blame cycle of obesity and how patients have autonomy when discussing weight with their doctor.


Key Takeaways:

  • Erase a FAULT mindset. Yes, obesity is complex…but it's not someone's fault. Shaming and blaming yourself – or others – simply makes it worse. This bias is embedded in our society, but you have control of your own mindset.
  • Ask for consent. Robyn talked about the importance of clinicians asking permission from patients before talking to them about their weight. But, asking for consent also applies when you approach a friend, a sibling, a parent, a spouse, or even your child who is struggling with weight or body image issues. Ask their permission and be ready to accept and respect “no” as an answer.


    • Links:

    More about Dr Robyn Pashby: www.healthpsychologypartners.com

    Robyn's Instagram: @robynpashbyphd


    Get in touch with Archelle

    Email: [email protected]

    Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

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    Speak Up For Your HealthBy Archelle Georgiou, MD